Ixion, king of the Lapiths, deceived by Juno, who he wished to seduce
Peter Paul Rubens·1615
Historical Context
Rubens painted Ixion Deceived by Juno around 1615, depicting the myth where the king of the Lapiths attempts to seduce Juno but embraces a cloud shaped in her likeness — a myth about the deceptiveness of desire and the punishment of presumption. The painting's complex composition and rich mythological subject matter demonstrate Rubens's command of the classical learning that informed his art. Now in the Louvre, the painting represents the important Rubens holdings in French national collections.
Technical Analysis
The composition juxtaposes the muscular figure of Ixion with the luminous form of the cloud-Juno, creating a visual contrast between earthly desire and divine deception. Rubens' warm flesh tones and fluid brushwork bring the mythological scene to vivid life.
Look Closer
- ◆Juno sits on clouds disguised as Ixion's desired object, the deception orchestrated by Jupiter to test and punish the mortal king's hubris
- ◆Ixion reaches toward the false Juno with desperate desire, unaware that he is embracing a cloud phantom
- ◆The mythological narrative unfolds with Rubens's characteristic clarity — every gesture and expression advances the story
- ◆Mercury observes from above as Jupiter's agent, ready to report Ixion's transgression that will condemn him to the eternal wheel
Condition & Conservation
This complex mythological scene from 1615 has been conserved over the centuries. The canvas has been relined. The atmospheric cloud effects that form the narrative center have been preserved through careful cleaning. Some areas of retouching address paint losses in the darker passages.
